Anderson County introducing new smart phone apps

The Anderson County Council recently announced a new smart phone app that allows anyone to conveniently report non-emergency issues and service requests using the web or a smartphone. The innovative citizen request application is known as YourGov and allows community members to conveniently report non-emergency issues and service requests using their web or smartphone.

County officials will be answering questions and demonstrating the new application February 4th at 5 pm in the Anderson County Historic Courthouse, 2nd floor Council Chambers, 101 South Main Street, Anderson. The public is invited to attend. Attendees are encouraged to bring their smartphone.

YourGov is free and available immediately for every citizen in Anderson County. In just three steps, YourGov users can submit common issues – such as potholes, litter, downed road signs and more – complete with location, details and photos. Once submitted, YourGov automatically delivers requests to the appropriate County Department where they are reviewed and routed for proper handling. Visit the YourGov web-based request portal by clicking the YourGov button on the County’s home webpage, www.AndersonCountySC.org<http://www.AndersonCountySC.org>.

The decision to add YourGov was prompted by the Council’s goal to better engage the public in their operations, improve customer service and respond faster to community issues and service requests. The application has a simple interface and the ability to communicate directly with the County’s work management system.

Anderson County has also adopted Cartegraph’s Operation Management System (OMS), a leading work management application. Cartegraph’s OMS gives Anderson County powerful new tools for managing its day-to-day operations and county assets. Working in tandem, YourGov and OMS will help the County effectively manage citizen requests and resolve them more efficiently than ever before.

Users of the Apple iPhone can download the free YourGov iPhone app in the iTunes App Store. Users of Android enabled smartphones can download the free YourGov app in the Google Market or the Amazon App Store.

YourGov users are encouraged to test out the new app to see how it works, but are asked to type in the word “TEST” at the beginning of their notes to let Public Works know not to dispatch a crew.

Although YourGov submissions can be made anonymously, a log-in account is required to gain full use of the application and the website. Once signed in, the registered user can see all of his/her submissions on the map and the status of each incident. In addition, the registered user will get automatic email notifications when the issue has been addressed. Registering on the application will also allow County staff to contact the submitter should more information be needed.